7 retired military officers turned into spies, experts urge Taiwan to strengthen pursuit.

The Taiwan Rehabilitation Alliance party chairman and retired military officer Qu Hongyi is suspected of long-term receipt of financial assistance from the Chinese Communist Party, recruiting retired military personnel, and collecting military strategic information, which has been uncovered by Taiwan prosecutors. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has initiated legal proceedings against Qu and 7 others involved in the case. Experts point out that national security agencies need to intensify efforts to uncover more spies to safeguard national security.

The Taichung District Prosecutors Office stated on the 8th that Qu Hongyi, who participated in local elections and legislative elections, had been receiving financial aid from the Chinese Communist Party for a long time. He recruited several individuals with military backgrounds, established a special operations team, and conducted reconnaissance missions on military bases. The investigation concluded at the end of last year, and Qu Hongyi was arrested under suspicion of violating Taiwan’s National Security Act. He and 7 other retired military officers are facing charges.

Prosecutors found that Qu instructed organizational leaders to gather a list of military officers with the rank of Major and above and to visit key military installations such as the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Alisan Radar Station, the Galuehai Beach in Pingtung, the Command Headquarters of the Joint Training Base of the three armed forces, and the Boli Barracks of the Joint Training Base. They took photos of the facilities, drew maps, and shared them with corresponding Chinese units through platforms like WeChat.

Peng Jieshen, a former Naval Marine Corps instructor and lecturer at the Thunder God Consultancy, told Epoch Times that “retired military officers like Qu Hongyi conspired in secret to form a sniper team in Taiwan, intending to assassinate high-ranking officials in the government and military. He also conducted reconnaissance missions on important military bases and radar stations, sharing intelligence with the Chinese Communist Party and collaborating as accomplices in potential attacks on Taiwan. The infiltration and betrayal by Qu and others, although heartbreaking, are not surprising. The long-term infiltration of democratic Taiwan by the CCP is extensive and thorough. Even low-ranking servicemen have records of being infiltrated and bought.”

The frequency of espionage cases in Taiwan is alarming. Peng Jieshen emphasized that national security agencies are overwhelmed with hidden spies in Taiwan, making it a continuous challenge to defend against such threats. Peng suggested four measures to enhance national security:

1. Strengthen patrols around military bases and use drones for enhanced nighttime surveillance.
2. Establish counter-infiltration and counter-assault units in military bases.
3. Collaborate with foreign allies and conduct joint exercises to counter infiltration and assaults.
4. Increase reconnaissance and preemptive measures by military intelligence personnel at establishments near military bases.

The Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China invited Minister of National Defense Gu Lixiong to attend a session to review the 2025 national budget’s subsidiary budgets concerning the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission’s trust fund and the non-operating funds managed by the Ministry of National Defense.

Minister Gu, during a media interview before the session, stated that as per his understanding, no active-duty military personnel are implicated in the case. However, the Ministry of National Defense still strongly condemns the involvement of retired military personnel who have been recruited. Even in reserve or retired status, individuals have a duty to remain loyal to the country. The case mentioned in the media is still under investigation, and the Ministry of National Defense refrains from commenting on ongoing legal matters.

Legislator Chen Guanting of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee expressed that the severity of this incident is unprecedented, signifying an escalation in the Chinese Communist Party’s infiltration and challenges against Taiwan. From manipulating domestic opinions to employing gray-zone tactics in regional threats, the recent plan for assassinations reveals a comprehensive intention to undermine Taiwan’s national institutions by implicating retired generals in potential violation of the Criminal Law’s clauses on inciting rebellion and external aggression.

Chen added that the scope of intelligence gathering in this incident not only jeopardizes Taiwan’s security but also involves key institutions such as the AIT in Taipei. These actions not only violate territorial integrity and sovereignty but also aim to weaken international support for Taiwan. He emphasized that military personnel are critical pillars of national security and should honor the trust and expectations of the people. Failure to fulfill their loyalty to the country not only damages their own moral integrity but also seriously harms societal values and national interests. Therefore, a strict stance will be maintained in handling national security, and there will be zero tolerance for acts of treason.

In response to the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, a proposed amendment to Article 13 of the National Security Law will enhance penalties and deterrents for individuals violating duties of loyalty to the country. Specific measures include the immediate suspension of retirement benefits following a guilty verdict to prevent individuals involved in the case from engaging in activities that could compromise national security during legal proceedings.